Top San Francisco advertising executive Nelson Moss (Keanu Reeves) constantly focuses on his job. But when he has to renew his drivers license, an encounter with the eccentric Sara Deevers (Charlize Theron) changes his life. Sara claims a special ability to help men with problems if they stay with her for one month. Although he doesnt think he has a problem, Nelson accepts Saras offer after losing his job and girlfriend in the same day. She soon breaks his focus on work and he wants to extend the one-month deadline. But she has a problem more serious than his. Although the leads are attractive and popular, this remake of a 1968 film seems to dangle too many loose ends. But the film will touch emotion chords for female viewers.

Nelson makes the common mistake of identifying himself with his work. But Sara helps him see that work is what he does, not who he is. Nelson also gets a visual lesson when he learns that Saras neighbor, Chaz (Jacob Isaacs), is also a top advertising executive. But Chaz also wears womens clothes along with his transvestite boyfriend. Although initially bothered, Nelson accepts Chaz and his lifestyle in a subtle lesson on confused, misguided tolerance. Nelson also befriends a fatherless, neighborhood boy. When the boy enters a model boat race, Nelson sabotages some other boats in the race to boost the boys confidence. But he later admits to Sara that cheating is bad. Nelson also rejects a lucrative offer from an executive who chastises a clumsy waitress. Acceptable premarital sex is implied several times during the stay with Sara, and Nelson is apparently living with his girlfriend before he meets Sara. And, of course, obscenities and profanity color the dialogue. Mixed moral messages turn SWEET NOVEMBER sour.